Wednesday, June 24, 2009

TABLESCAPE THURSDAY

tablescape thursday 

Be sure you visit Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for a list of participants in Tablescape Thursday.  Thanks loads Susan for all your work…

THE STORY OF THE FORK AND ITS LONG BATTLE TO TAKE IT’S RIGHTFUL PLACE ON THE TABLE!

 

Once upon a time, the fork was used primarily as a serving piece.  Its path to popularity as an everyday utensil  had lots of objections. Many thought it was either too common or too effeminate.

In the early 16th century, the fork finally took its place on the table, thanks to Italian nobility and upper class. The forks acceptance began to spread, first to England in the 17th century, then it became part of the place setting, but was considered a Berry Fork.

It was designed for eating strawberries  and other berries and has either 2 or 3 long tines.

tn_sterlingsilverberryset-2

 

tn_silverplateberryset-2

The forks usually came in a set of 6 along with the berry spoon.

Today these old berry forks are collector items.

tiffany_strawberry_sterling_pierced_strawberry_fork_P0000183655S0025T2

 

This fork  can be purchased at Replacements for 229.00 and they have 3 of them

 

tiffany_strawberry_sterling_pierced_strawberry_fork_P0000183655S0045T2

There is one that is defective and you may purchase it for 172.00

Happy Shopping!

Barbara

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

HI Barbara! Oh, how interesting! I didn't know that! I have some little tiny forks and wasn't sure what they were used for and a fellow blogger told me mine were olive forks! We learn something new each day!
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Very educational. I didn't know the history of the fork. Such a lovely set, but I think I'll pass on the price. Hugs, Marty

Martha said...

I have some strawberry forks -- alas not as dear as the ones you showed. I love the odd little bits of silver.

Kammy said...

Hi Barbara,
Got to go.....to Replacements....and buy all of them...now....how much ?????....
LOL !!!!!! I will keep my eyes open - maybe at a garage sale - NOT !
They are beautiful !
Hugs ~ Kammy

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Hi Barbara, great post, very interesting but I think I'll let someone else purchase those...just being nice you know...

SmilingSally said...

You have taught me today. I never heard about berry forks.

Ginny said...

Interesting....However, I will pass on purchasing these!!!
Where in the world do you come up such different and interesting ideas??

Michelle said...

Always wondered what those little forks were for! Thanks for the lesson!

Brenda Pruitt said...

How interesting! Love good information! (You never stop learning.)
Brenda

Chandy said...

Great info on forks! And your samples are exquisite!

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Wonderful!!! Thanks for the info!!!

Enjoy!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Unknown said...

How very interesting and informative. Beautiful forks, bit out of my range. Thanks for sharing!

Tina

PAT said...

I love this! Very interesting post!

honeysuckle said...

Thanks for informing all of us. They are lovely and now when I see one at a garage sale, I will know if it is a bargain or not! (Like that would ever happen)!

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Thanks for the fork history. Very interesting~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

Printersdevil said...

Interesting info. TFS

Unknown said...

Wow! That is good info! Thanks for sharing! The Victorians had a serving piece for everything.

~Liz

Unknown said...

That was an interesting bit of knowledge on forks! I love learning about things like that! Thank you!
Have a Fabulous Weekend!
~Really Rainey~

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Very interesting info! Thanks!

Katherine